The Way of Light beyond the Cross
Meditations on the Resurrection
During Lent and especially on Good Friday, we walk the Way of the Cross. We recall in story, song and prayer Jesus’ awful suffering and death on Calvary. But the death and burial of Jesus was not the end. He rose again on Easter day!
The Risen Lord Jesus appeared to his Apostles and disciples many times. His body was marked with the sign of his wounds on his hands, feet and side. After his resurrection, he wanted his disciples to understand the wonderful mystery of his death and resurrection, and the meaning that it gives to our life. He wanted his followers to be missionaries of his resurrection for the salvation of all. They would be messengers of hope and bearers of the good news of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
Saint Paul said: if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and if you believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) We are saved by believing that Jesus rose from the dead through the power of God. And we too, are called to be witness to the fact that Jesus Christ is risen and that he is the only Lord of all.
To be witness of the Risen Lord we have to follow Jesus after his resurrection, from the time he appeared to the women and to the disciples right through to the coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Christian community in Jerusalem.
This is story that we will recall as we walk the Way of Light.
- The meditation is announced by the leader.
- The scripture passage is read by a reader.
- All pause to reflect on the reading.
- All join in the short prayer at the invitation: Let us pray..
- All join the short hymn at the invitation: Let us sing.
Introduction:
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had travelled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now witnesses for him to the people of Israel. And we are here to bring the Good News to you! What God promised our ancestors he would do, he has now done for us, who are their descendants, by raising Jesus to life.” (Acts 13:30-33)
First Meditation:
Jesus is Risen.
The women discover that the tomb where Jesus was placed is empty.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the entrance to the tomb, so they went in; but they did not find the body. Suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them and said: “Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he is risen!” (Luke 24: 1-6)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – your resurrection is truly good news!- We praise you for your victory over sin and death! – Your resurrection brings us hope, salvation – and the beginning of anew life in you! Help us to keep growing in the conviction – that at the end, – our life is not ended, only changed! Amen.
Let us sing
Sing Alleluia to the Lord (X2.)
Sing Alleluia sing Alleluia.
Sing Alleluia to the Lord!
Jesus is risen from the dead (x2.)
Jesus is risen, Jesus is risen.
Jesus is risen from the dead!
Second Meditation:
Peter and John run to the tomb
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
So Peter set out with John to go to the tomb. They ran together, but John, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then John also went in; he saw and he believed. (Jn 20:3-8)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – as we stand before your empty tomb, – you invite us to experience what Peter and John experienced.- As we reflect on the mystery of your death and resurrection, – grant us the grace to understand more fully – the blood by which we were redeemed – and the Spirit by which we are reborn. Amen.
Let us sing:
Were you there when he rose up from the dead? (x2.)
0-0-0-0, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
Were you there when he rose up from the dead?
Third Meditation:
Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Meanwhile Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she bent over to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away’ she replied ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him’. Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then and replied, ‘Rabbuni!’ – which means Master. (Jn 20:11-16)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you provided Mary of Magdala – the opportunity to be the first to witness your risen self, – and you commissioned her to go spread the news. – As with Mary, you call us all by our name – and you ask us to share this good news – with all whom we meet. – Help us to do so courageously. Amen.
Let us sing:
Jesus, in my life I see,
you are God, who walks with me.
You hold my life in your hands:
close beside you I will stand.
I give all my life to you:
help me, Jesus, to be true.
Fourth Meditation:
Jesus joins the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
That very same day, two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.. Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only is person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days’. Then Jesus said, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself. (cf. Luke 24:13-27)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you joined your two disciples – as in their confusion – they tried to walk away from it all. – You helped them to understand the true meaning – of the events which had made them so sad. – Their invitation: “Stay with us” has become our prayer. – Help us to keep recognizing you – in the ones who walk beside us – in our times of trouble. Amen.
Let us sing:
+ Walk with me O my Lord;
Through the darkest night and brightest day.
Be at my side O Lord;
Hold my hand and guide me on my way.
Sometimes the road seems long my energy is spent;
Then Lord I think of you and I am given strength! +
Fifth Meditation:
Jesus is recognized in the breaking of bread.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
As they reached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he intended to go on further, but they held him back saying: “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark!” So he went in and sat down to eat with them. He took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to them. At that moment their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. They said to each other then: “Was it not like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road explaining the scriptures?” (Lk 24:28-32)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – as the two disciples recognized you – in the breaking of bread, – they recognized themselves also. – They were still your disciples! – Your words restored their faith in you. – Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, – you invite us to be restored again – as your followers, – as we listen to your Word – and share in your Body and Blood. Amen.
Let us sing:
I am the Bread of life.
He who come to me shall not hunger.
He who believes in me shall not thirst;
No one can come to me, unless the Father draw him.
And I will raise him up. (x2.)
And I will raise him up on the last day.
Sixth Meditation:
Jesus appears to a group of the apostles behind closed doors.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
As they were eating, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them: “Peace be with you” he said. But they were terrified thinking that they we’re seeing a ghost. He said to them: “Why are you so afraid? Why all these doubts in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I. A ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have! They still could not believe, even though they were filled with joy and wonder. He asked them: “Have you anything to eat? They gave him a piece of cooked fish, which he took and ate in their presence. (Luke 24:36-43)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – we still find it hard – to believe in your resurrection and ours. Help our unbelief. – May we live in a manner – worthy of our calling; – make us witnesses of your truth to all people – and help us work to bring all believers together – in the fellowship of peace. Amen.
Let us sing:
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour, glorious Lord.
Emmanuel, God is with us,
Blessed Redeemer, living Word!
Seventh Meditation:
Jesus empowers his disciples to forgive sins.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. ‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’ (John 20:19-23)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you appeared to the apostles – and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them; – pour out on us your healing Spirit, – that we may continue your mission – of bringing forgiveness to our wounded world. Amen.
Let us sing:
God forgave my sins in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name;
And in Jesus’ name I come to you,
To share his love as he told me to!
He said: “Freely, freely you have received;
Freely, freely give!
Go in my name and because you believe, .
Others will know that I live!”
Eighth Meditation:
Jesus confirms the faith of Thomas.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe’. Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ (John 20:24-29)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you renewed the faith of Thomas in you as the Risen one! – His faith is the faith of the Church.- Preserve the church you built on the apostles, – deepen our faith in your final victory, – and help us find strength – in the hope of your coming again. Amen.
Let us sing:
You are Lord, you are Lord,
You are risen from the dead and you are Lord!
Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess,
That Jesus you are Lord.
 
Ninth Meditation:
Jesus appears on the shore of lake Tiberias.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Simon-Peter said to the other disciples: I’m going fishing”. We’ll come with you!” they replied. So they went out in the boat but caught nothing all night. As day broke, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples did not realize it was Jesus. Jesus called out: Have you caught anything friends?” And when they answered “No!”, he said to them: “Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll get something.” They did so and there were so many fish that they could not haul the net in. The disciple Jesus loved said: ”It is the Lord!” (John 21:1-7)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – in the sign of so many fish – gathered in the single unbroken net, – you indicate your desire – that all people of all nations – be gathered into one holy people. As you directed your disciples to that great catch of fish, – continue to direct us in the way of unity. Amen.
Let us sing:
Lord you have come to the lakeside
Seeking neither wealthy nor wise ones.
You only ask Lord, that I should love you.
With love you have looked in my eyes, Lord,
smiling gently, you called my name.
And I left my boat by the lakeside,
Now with you I will seek other shores!
Tenth Meditation:
Jesus commissions Peter to take care of his flock, the Church.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
After the meal Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you’. Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs’. A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you’. Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep’. Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you’. Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you not only forgave Peter for denying you three times, – you appointed him to be the leader of your followers, – the Shepherd of your flock. – Having recommitted himself – to love you to the end, – he assumed the responsibility of leading your people – in discovering healing through your loving forgiveness. – May the successor of Peter – continue to preserve your church – in the way of truth and life, – and may we too be faithful in fulfilling our mission – to spread the good news of salvation. Amen.
Let us sing:
Colours of day dawn into the mind
The sun has come up the night is behind.
Go down in the city, into the street,
And let’s give the message to the people we meet.
+ So light up the fire and let the flame burn,
Open the door, let Jesus return.
Take seeds of his Spirit, let the fruit grow,
Tell the people of Jesus, let his love show.
Eleventh Meditation:
Jesus entrusts his disciples with his mission to the whole world.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Jesus said to them: “Go throughout the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all the nations. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Whoever does not believe will be condemned. And believers will be given the power to perform miracles. They will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues; if they pick up snakes or drink poison, they will not he harmed; they will place their hands on the sick, and these will be healed!” (Mark 16:15-18)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – you helped your disciples to understand – the wonderful mystery of your death and resurrection. – Then you entrusted them – with the task of being messengers of hope – and bearers of the good news – of your victory over sin and death. – As we strive to pursue their mission, – help us to proclaim your resurrection – by our way of life. Amen.
Let us sing:
God’s Spirit is in my heart,
He has called me and set me apart;
This is what I have to do; what I have to do.
He sent me to bring the good news to the poor;
Tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more!
Tell blind people that they can see;
And set the downtrodden free!
And go tell everyone the news that the Kingdom of God has come.
And go tell everyone the news that God’s Kingdom has come.
Twelfth Meditation:
Jesus ascends into heaven.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and blessed them with uplifted hands; and in the act of blessing them, he parted from them and was carried up to heaven. They still had their eyes fixed on him when two men dressed in white suddenly stood beside them and said: “ Galileans, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus who was taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go to heaven!” (Luke: 24:50-51, Acts 1:10-11).
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – your promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit – and your promise to be with us always, – fills us with joy. Where you, the head, – have preceded us in glory, – we, the body, – hope to follow. Seated at the right hand of the Father, – intercede for us now, – as we place all our trust in you, – our eternal priest. Amen.
Let us sing:
This is the day (2)
when he rose again. (2)
We will rejoice, (2)
and be glad in it. (2)
This is the day when he rose again.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day when he rose again.
Thirteenth Meditation:
Mary and the apostles wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
So from the Mount of Olives, as it is called, the apostles went back to Jerusalem, a short distance away, no more than a sabbath walk;
and when they reached the city they went to the upper room where they were staying; there were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Jude son of James. All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:12-14)
Let us pray:
Risen Lord, – this little group of your followers – waiting and praying together in the Upper Room – was the church in-embryonic form. – Gathered still with the whole communion of saints, – we pray that you will again pour out the gifts of the Holy Spirit – on all people – and, so fulfil in the hearts of your faithful – what you accomplished when the Gospel was first preached on earth. Amen.
Let us sing:
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me (x2)
Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me!
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me!
Fourteenth Meditation:
Pentecost – The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire.
Leader: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!
All: He is truly risen. Alleluia!
When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting;
and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
(Acts 2: 1-4)
Let us pray:
God our Father,- we thank you for sending us your only Son – to call us into your Kingdom. – Set us on fire like his first disciples, – with the power of the Holy Spirit. – Help us to act justly, – to love tenderly, – and to walk humbly with you. – Help us to become a community serving humanity – in your great plan to renew the face of the earth. – We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us sing:
Sing Alleluia to the Lord (x2)
Sing Alleluia, sing Alleluia,
Sing Alleluia to the Lord!
Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts. (x2)
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Come Holy Spirit fill our hearts!
Final Reflection
There were indeed many signs that Jesus performed in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded here. These are recorded here so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this faith, you may be saved and have life in his name.
(John 20:30-31)
Regina Coeli (The Traditional Easter Prayer)
Leader: Queen of heaven rejoice, alleluia.
All: For he whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
Leader: Has risen as he said, alleluia.
All: Pray for us to God, alleluia.
Leader: Rejoice and be glad O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
All: For the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.
Leader: Let us pray
All: God our Father, you give joy to the world
by the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through the prayers of his mother, the Virgin Mary,
bring us to the happiness of eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.